Bodhi Thai Bistro serves up fresh and authentic

PORTSMOUTH — Since early February, it's taken a family plus the owner's fiancée, to finesse, renovate and equip their new downtown restaurant on Pleasant Street.

Toby Hatchett

PORTSMOUTH — Since early February, it's taken a family plus the owner's fiancée, to finesse, renovate and equip their new downtown restaurant on Pleasant Street.

Bodhi Thai Bistro opened its doors for diners this past Wednesday. Despite the many months of hard work and obtaining permits, owner Ae Senesombath couldn't be happier.

"We're going to be open seven days a week," he said, "but I wish there were eight days a week. I love what I do."

Senesombath and his family left Thailand in 1981 as refugees and settled in South Portland, Maine. Since then, he has worked with his family in Thai restaurants and learning the trade.

"My father taught me everything I know and he will be here working with me in the kitchen," Senesombath said. "We are the two chefs. In the front of the house is my fiancée, Laong (Chanthapho), who will manage that."

Also working in the restaurant will be his brother and mother.

"We are a real family restaurant," Senesombath said. "We serve as if you were dining in our home. Every order is made from scratch and to order. If you don't like mushrooms, then we won't have mushrooms in your dish. Cooked to order."

Bodhi Thai can also accommodate special dietary needs, such as gluten free, lactose free or any food allergies. The restaurant seats 48. Take-out orders are welcome.

"We started here from the bottom up," Senesombath said. "We took out the old carpeting and put in a new wood floor. Everything has been painted and decorated. The kitchen is now state of the art with modern appliances."

It was on a visit to Portsmouth that Senesombath said he fell in love with the city and the community.

After researching the area and looking at several locations, the Pleasant Street site was his choice.

"I love this location, the big windows and the airy feel to the dining room," he said. "I think we will be a good addition to the dining choices here."

The restaurant's décor was a family affair, too. Senesombath said his brother selected the vibrant orange and green wall paint. Authentic tapestries from Thailand hang from a wall and artwork on others. A water fountain is in one corner providing a soothing sound. A Buddha and bamboo arrangement greet diners as they enter.

"The name 'bodhi' means enlightenment," Senesombath said. "Our goal here is to do just that. We want to enlighten your senses and tempt your palate."

Bodhi Thai Bistro will serve modern, authentic Thai dishes as well as Thai beers and teas. The restaurant soon hopes to have a liquor license and will then serve beer and wine.

"I buy locally what I can," Senesombath said. "I travel to Boston to buy the finest real Thai ingredients. There can't be any substitutions for that."

Bodhi Thai Bistro will accept reservations. For parties of 10 or more, a call ahead is appreciated. Employees of John Hancock are offered a discount if they present a company identification badge.

"If a customer doesn't see what they want on the menu, just ask us," Senesombath said. "We will do everything we can to give the diner what they would like."

Available at the front desk are primers for those not familiar with Thai cuisine.

"As with other Asian cuisines, balance, detail and variety are of great importance," Senesombath said. "We use fresh herbs, not dried."

Common Thai herbs include cilantro, lemongrass, Thai basil and mint. Five types of curries are served — red, green, yellow, Massaman and Panang.

"I like to say to customers this is how we eat at home," Senesombath said. "You can have mild or very hot or in between. We'll help you decide."

Senesombath lives in South Portland, but said he is already looking for a place to live in Portsmouth.

"We want to live here as well as work here," he said. "This is such a wonderful place to be and I think people will find they love Thai cuisine as much as we do. It is all authentic."

At a glance

Bodhi Thai Bistro

Owner: Ae Senesombath

Address: 40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth

Phone: 431-1299

Hours: Open 7 days a week; lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 to 9 p.m.

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